Modesto JC fails to get runners in, loses to ARC

But timely hitting and errors were an issue for the Modesto Junior College baseball team Thursday in a 9-5 loss to visiting American River College.

The Pirates scattered eight hits in the first seven innings and got two more off the Beaver's bullpen in a three-run eighth. But American scored three unearned runs early as Modesto committed five errors, and held a 9-2 lead after six innings.

Justin Long, one of three Pirates with two hits, thought Modesto (11-8, 1-2 Big 8 Conference) may have been pressing too much, trying to hard to get hits and not being patient at the plate.

"I think that we were getting ourselves out," Long said. "The wind is a big factor here. If you don't get a line drive or a hard ground ball, there are going to be outs."

The teams combined for 22 singles. The only extra base hit came from American River's Mike McKinney, a double in the first inning.

Modesto starting pitcher Karl Moss lasted four innings, striking out three and giving up five runs -- two unearned -- on eight hits. Reliever Mike Arnold got tagged with four runs on four hits in 1º innings.

Blane Cox and Sammy Bryant each had two base hits, with Cox driving in two runs on a two-out single in the first inning.

MERCED 13, REEDLEY 0, at Reedley -- Five Blue Devils pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout while Merced battered the Tigers for 17 hits. Bryan Abrey, Wes Borba and Ben Gorang each had two hits, including a double a piece, to lead Merced (17-5, 7-1 Central Valley Conference).

Softball

MERCED 4, PORTERVILLE 1, at Merced -- The Blue Devils distanced themselves with two runs in the sixth to take a 4-1 lead. Monica Hall hit a double and Nicole Blades-Moore drove in two runs for Merced (14-10, 6-0 CVC).

JC Golf

MJC 7TH, at Stockton -- The Pirates struggled at a Big 8 tournament, shooting 445 overall at the par-72 Elk Horn Country Club. Robert Freese shot the low round for the Pirates with an 83.

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